NRPA’s Take Me Fishing initiative supports local park and recreation agencies and youth service organizations that work to connect young people ages 6 to 15 with nature and engage them in recreational boating and fishing. The goal of the initiative is to provide children and families with opportunities to participate in boating and fishing programs that will lead to continued participation in healthy outdoor activities, a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship, and an understanding of water and boat safety behaviors.

Since 2006, the program has reached more than 350,000 children and families. For the 2010 program year, NRPA awarded a total of $297,000 in grants to new and returning agencies, which will reach more than 140,000 additional children and families and increase program participation by more than 20 percent from 2009.

“The Take Me Fishing initiative makes it possible for agencies to connect tens of thousands of children each year to boating and fishing opportunities, generating powerful bonds to nature and the outdoors,” said NRPA CEO Barbara Tulipane. “Programs like this one are crucial as we strive to create future generations of active, healthy Americans who will take care of the environment long after we are gone.”

“With America’s youngsters spending hours a day on electronic media, it’s become more and more challenging to introduce them to the joys of the outdoors,” said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. “We’re pleased to support NRPA as they work to connect youth with the outdoors and help create future boaters and anglers who will cherish and protect our outdoor spaces.”

When choosing the grant recipients, NRPA ensured a wide distribution between urban, rural and suburban areas, and placed emphasis on projects with the ability to provide opportunities for underserved populations and minorities.

In addition to the financial award, grant winners also receive: an Operation TLC2 Making Communities Safe volunteer management and national background screening tool kit, access to online educational opportunities through NRPA, the Take Me Fishing Event Planning Kit, and access to industry experts via “ask the expert” on Fishington, TakeMeFishing.org’s social networking site.

For more information on NRPA’s Take Me Fishing initiative, contact Resa Kierstein at 703.858.2199 or rkierstein@nrpa.org..

The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, thereby protecting and restoring the nation’s aquatic natural resources. RBFF helps people discover, share and protect the legacy of boating and fishing through national outreach programs including the Take Me FishingTM campaign and Anglers’ LegacyTM.

The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of 20,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy lifestyles, recreation initiatives, and conservation of natural and cultural resources.